Child abuse and neglect; mandatory reporting, penalties. (SB239)
Introduced By
Sen. Richard Stuart (R-Westmoreland) with support from co-patrons Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria), Sen. Janet Howell (D-Reston), Sen. Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax), and Sen. Toddy Puller (D-Mount Vernon)
Progress
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Introduced |
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Passed Committee |
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Passed House |
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Passed Senate |
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Signed by Governor |
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Became Law |
Description
Suspected child abuse and neglect; mandatory reporting; penalties. Reduces the time allowed for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect by a mandated reporter from 72 hours to 24 hours and provides that failure to report is punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor for the first failure and a Class 1 misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense. Current law is a fine of not more than $500 for a first offense and not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense. Amends § 63.2-1509 (“Physicians, nurses, teachers, etc., to report certain injuries to children; penalty for failure to report.”), of the Code of Virginia. View Full Text »
Comments
I wish CPS units would learn from Senator Stuart's sense of urgency evident from this bill. I'm afraid that those in the trenches - teachers and guidance counselors will be immediately reporting only to continue to have the vast majority of such reports "screened out", i.e. dismissed/ignored. How could we mandate an investigation once reported? No point to immediately report without follow-through. Hats off to Senator Stuart at least taking child abuse serious.
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